TAMPA, Fla.- For more than 37 years, General David Petraeus proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, guiding America through its wars in the Middle East and as head of U.S. Central Command. For some of that time, he lived in Tampa in a waterfront home on MacDill Air Force Base.

"He made everyone feel great. He was a very human individual and just a really nice man," said close friend and Tampa businessman John Osterweil.

Osterweil threw a welcome reception for the general when he first moved to Tampa and has been friends with Petraeus ever since.

"I've had a chance to meet many of the generals at MacDill and he's just a wonderful human being, stimulating, and a real credit to our nation," said Osterweil.